What is Rocket League? What parents need to know

Rocket League is a multiplayer video game developed by Psyonix, a video game developer based in California.

It typically involves two teams battling against each other in a range of rounds that involve car-based basketball, football and hockey to score the most goals. Rocket League has a PEGI 3 rating.

The fast-paced action, customisation of cars and multiplayer elements makes it a great draw for children and young people. Although it requires skill to control the cars and the ball, it is relatively easy to play for any age.

Number of players and platforms

Rocket League has many different game modes, including ‘Casual’, ‘Competitive’ and ‘Tournament’. Users play alone against someone or in a team of 2, 3 or 4. In the casual modes, chat/text communication are not too important. However, if your child develops and wants to play in a team, they may need to communicate.

The game is free to play/download and is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC via the Epic Games Store.

The goal of the game

Each round lasts five minutes. Teams have to score the most amount of goals in this time by using the car to control the ball. Players use charge pads to gain boost power and increase their car’s speed, and with practice, they can use them strategically to beat the opposing team.

Players new to the game

New or practicing players can choose solo mode and race against computer-controlled cars.

Although the game is straightforward to follow, it requires a lot of practice to get to the coveted “Supersonic Legend” status, which is the highest rank in the game.

As players win more competitive matches, they get promoted to higher Divisions and Ranks in the game. However, they can also be demoted if they lose matches.

• Inclusive use across platforms (so, your child and their friend don’t have to have the same device to play)
• Accessible for new and young players
• It encourages and teaches teamwork
• Builds communication among friends
• Skill-building for quick reflexes, critical thinking, strategy and more
• It created a large esports community which also features professional players and leagues

Learn about other benefits of video games with our advice hub.

The game is free to download and play. However, it also includes an online shop that features a range of in-game items to purchase.

Although it previously featured loot boxes these have been replaced to ensure gamers buy what they want through a Blueprint system.

Rocket League also offers tiered passes like the Season Rocket Pass, which gives users access to the newest cars. Users can purchase passes to gain access to unique customisation options and unlock certain levels.

Rocket League’s credits are a premium currency that roughly equals £0.59-£1 per 100. The game prices items based on how rare they are. As such, you could spend between 50 – 100 credits on rare items or up to 800 credits on ‘exotic’ items such as painted wheels for cars.

Credits can unlock Blueprints as well as buy items from the in-game shop. Users can buy credits in sets of 500 (£4.10), 1100 (£8.20), 3000 (£20.50) and 6500 (£41.00).

If children play the game online rather than in single-player mode, there is a chance they may experience inappropriate language through the chat. However, setting up platform-specific parental controls can help manage overall gameplay.

Additionally, if your child is under 13, they automatically receive a cabined account. These accounts let your child play the game but do not allow access to chat and spending. To enable or customise accounts for under-13s, you must provide parental permission. See how with step-by-step guidance for the Epic Games Store.

You can set up in-game controls for text chat, voice chat and quick chat to manage who communicates with your child. See how with the Rocket League parental controls guide.

To manage spending and other features, set controls on the console or platform they use to play.

In 2022, Epic Games released cabined accounts for all children under-13 who use games from the Epic Games Store. This includes Rocket League, Fortnite and Fall Guys. Cabined accounts allow your child to play their games without spending and communication features. Parents must give consent to allow these features.

A PEGI 3 rating is considered suitable for all age groups. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to frighten young children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context or a childlike setting) is acceptable.